Climate Change and Renewable Energy Policy in the EU and Canada Ottawa, October 1 st 2015 Comparing EU Climate and Renewables Governance 2008 and 2014 Dr. Christian Hey German Advisory Council on the Environment, Berlin

2 German Advisory Council on the Environment Main Characteristics  Interdisciplinary, scientific and independent  7 University Professors from different disciplines nominated by Cabinet  Judgements on environmental issues  Early warning function  Ideas for sustainable transitions  Inform stakeholders and the broader public

Contributions of SRU in the national debate Summary for policy makers, November 2013 Special Report, January 2011 Statement: May 2010 Position Paper: May

Agenda 2020 Some Basic Characteristics of the EU EU Climate and Energy Policies Overview Agenda

5 Some Basic Characteristics of the EU  Different Socio-Economic Structures  Diverse Energy and Climate Policy Interests  Very Fragmented Institutional System  Process Control by the European Commission  First Mover and Leadership Advantages (EU as „agenda setting paradise)  A strong „green“ triangle: DG ENV/Environmental Council/ Environment Committee as institutional core  Consensus and solution-oriented political culture

6 Key Climate and Energy Policy Instruments  Emissions Trading System (Market Based)  Effort Sharing Decision (National Planning)  Renewable Energy Directive (National Planning)  Energy Efficiency Directive (National Planning)  Ecodesign Directive for Energy-related Products (Regulatory Law)

7 Agenda 2020: Climate targets achieved

Agenda 2020: Renewables on Track 8

Efficiency Target: 20% by % compared to trend = 13% less compared to 2005

Drivers of Policy Acceleration 10

11 The Pre – 2008 Policy Cycle  Copenhagen Conference 2009: Demonstrate European Leadership and Credibility  The 2007 Stern Report: Reframing Climate as an Economic Concern  Extreme Weather Events: Heat Wave 2003, Catharina 2005: Early Warning Signals  The pre-crisis fuel price bubble  Industrial Policy: Renewables +Nuclear + CCS – as low carbon technology winners  A powerful pro Climate Coalition: UK, Fr, G, the Commission and the EP

12 Market Conditions: Europe is Energy Poor

13 Market Conditions: Renewables are getting cheap

 Economic Crisis – Competitiveness Concerns  Renewable Energy as threat to incumbents  Fuel Prices Declining  Fragile Alliance of Green Member States  New Market Oriented Agenda (Energy Union) The Constellation 2014: 14

The agenda 2030: the Climate Target 15 40% by 2030 means more speed later EEA, 2014, S. 61

: 16 Renewables Target: at the lower end

Some Conclusions  EU still a credible and ambitious climate policy leader  EU has a rich portfolio of effective climate policy instruments  EU has potentially strong governance mechanisms  Energy Transition in Europe towards renewable energies was slowed down, but not stopped 17 Europe is in a difficult phase, but

Thank you for your attention Dr. Christian Hey German Advisory Council for the Environment, Berlin